It is with great sadness that we announce that Brian Barnes, founder of the Southwold Rugby Club, finally lost his battle with Parkinson’s Disease and died on the 23rd February 2025 in a care home in Lound. He was surrounded by his partner Elona Rogers and her son, Julian.

Brian was the inspiration and the instigation of the Club and directed it in the early days as a place where the game of Rugby football was at the heart of everything and that song and social enjoyment filled the life of its members long before television took over.

He had a repertoire of songs and anecdotes which were greatly embellished by the quaffing of Adnams Bitter. Many youngsters soon learned the art of enjoying the game of Rugby and the social ambiance of the “third half”.

Thank you Brian for 60 years of success and fun of Southwold Rugby Club. His Funeral will be held at Ellough Crematorium on Thursday 27th March at 1.30pm, then back at Southwold RFC. All are welcome.